Assemblyman Raia Holds Second Annual Motherís Day Breakfast

Raia outlines legislative efforts to protect women and seniors

May 7, 2004

The close community spirit of the women of Suffolk County was visible at Assemblyman Raiaís (R,C-East Northport) annual Motherís Day Breakfast during which he honored mothers and outlined his legislative efforts for pay equity, womenís health and safety, and greater protection for seniors.

"Iím so pleased to have this opportunity to meet with the members from so many valuable organizations in our community," Raia said. "Your concerns are very important to me and I assure you that I will continue to fight for you in Albany. Events like this give me crucial insight into what is important to you and how and I can be a better liaison between my office and the organizations that serve women of all ages."

Highlighting his legislative efforts to create a breast cancer registry, Assemblyman Raia pointed to the excellent work of the Adelphi University Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program, and encouraged women to schedule mammograms as Motherís Day approaches. The program offers a variety of services, including telephone counseling, community outreach, support-group meetings and newsletters.

"One of the most effective tools in fighting breast cancer is early detection," Assemblyman Raia said. "While there are women who are anxious about breast cancer screening, studies show that 95 percent of women who undergo the screening have normal mammogram results."

The breakfast was Assemblyman Raiaís second annual event that focused on women and seniors, which took place at the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Rosary #4428, located at 759 Long Island Avenue, in Deer Park. Prominent members from the Spangle Drive Senior Center, Federation of Organizations, Paumanack Village, the Sons of Italy, Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk, the Red Hatters, Columbianettes, representatives from the Town of Babylon and Huntington Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia were among the noted attendees. The assemblyman moved from table to table, listening to the concerns of the attendees and updating them on issues happening in Albany.

"When I was sworn into office in 2002, I promised to be accessible to the constituents in my Assembly district," Raia said. "Today, I recognize the women in my district who have demonstrated strength through adversity. I will continue to work on your behalf by supporting pay equity legislation, harsher punishment for those who commit domestic violence offenses, sex offenders and those that prey upon the elderly."